Ban on Smokeless Cigarettes Kicks in Today

It covers emerging tobacco products "currently not available” in Singapore, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a statement yesterday (14 Dec).

Other products banned include dissolvable tobacco and products containing tobacco or nicotine that may be applied topically, injected, or implanted in the body. It will also include any tobacco or nicotine-containing substances for e-cigarettes.

The ban is part of MOH's "ongoing efforts to protect the public” against tobacco products. It is to "ensure that they do not gain a foothold or become entrenched in the Singapore market, which could stimulate demand for and increase the prevalence of tobacco consumption".

The second phase of the ban, which covers products already in the local market, will take effect from August next year.

The products that will be banned include nasal and oral snuff which are inhaled and chewed respectively; gutkha, which is a mix of tobacco, betel nut and catechu (herb) with lime, menthol, sandal oil, spice and flavourings; and khaini and zarda, which are flavoured chewing tobaccos.

MOH said this approach will give retailers time to adjust. Smokers who flout the ban can be fined up to $10,000 or jailed up to six months, or both. Maximum penalties will double if they are convicted a second time.

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